Manning man charged with drug offenses, DUS at checkpoint

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A 20-year-old Manning man was charged about 2 a.m. June 2 with several drug offenses and driving under suspension after being stopped at a safety checkpoint in the area of Boyce and Boundary streets. According to reports, Jesus Villa of 2424 Alex Harvin Highway in Manning, was driving a Nissan Sentra through the checkpoint and came in contact with Manning Police Department Cpl. W.B. Secrist II. Secrist reported smelling marijuana, and observed Villa allegedly attempting to hide a cigar pack in his pants. A search of Villa, who was removed from the vehicle, revealed the cigar pack, which contained three pills identified to be Vyvanse, a Schedule II controlled substance used to treat Attention Deficit and Hyperactivity Disorder. A search of the vehicle produced a clear plastic bag containing a quantity of suspected marijuana, after which Secrist placed Villa under arrest. A check through Clarendon County Dispatch showed Villa's license to be allegedly suspended. Again, while searching Villa at the Clarendon County Detention Center, police located a clear plastic bag filled with a large quantity of small blue pills identified as Xanax, a Schedule IV controlled substance used to treat anxiety and panic disorders. Villa was booked on charges of possession of marijuana; driving under suspension; possession of a controlled substance; and possession of a controlled substance with intent to distribute.